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Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced the abolition of jury trials for cases that could have a likely sentence of three years or less. He said the move would create new 'swift courts'.

Mr Lammy said the new system would get cases dealt with a fifth faster than jury trials. He said it was necessary as with current projections, case loads will reach 100,000 by 2028. "Investment is not enough," he said.

Announcing his criminal court reform in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr Lammy said: "I will create new swift courts within the crown court with a judge alone deciding verdicts in trial of either way cases with a likely sentence of three years or less as Sir Brian (Leveson) recommends.

"Sir Brian estimates that they will deliver justice at least 20 per cent faster th

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